Facial cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a marked rise in popularity over the past twenty years. Contrary to some media depictions, it is no longer the domain of the rich and famous as growing numbers of everyday people undergo cosmetic surgery in Toronto.
There are several reasons for this trend that range from the societal to the technological. Examining the driving forces behind the enduring popularity of facial procedures offers a fascinating glimpse into a booming industry.
The Information Age
The rise of the Internet and social media has played a large part in the growth of facial cosmetic surgery in Toronto. Greater access to information means patients are more educated and better informed about what cosmetic procedures offer and are less susceptible to sensational or outdated depictions in television or movies. Social media has also made people more open, and spurred a desire to pursue health and vitality at all stages of life through both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
More Affordable
Cosmetic procedures are less expensive than they used to be, and this has helped maintain the industry’s upward trend. Technological improvements and broader patient access have helped bring costs into more reasonable ranges for the average person. The development of mini versions of popular procedures (mini lift, mini tuck, etc.) have also helped, as have niche procedures like blepharoplasty (eye lift) or otoplasty (earlobe sculpting).
Better Techniques
One of the easier ways to explain how cosmetic surgery has grown more popular is to look at the shifts in technique that have taken place. In the 90’s, the focus was on who could provide the tightest facelift or the biggest augmentations. Nowadays, there is increased emphasis on natural-looking results and patient comfort.
Techniques have shifted to ones that prize minimizing downtime or scarring risk. This increased focus on the patient experience and natural results has the added benefit of making cosmetic surgery in Toronto less intimidating and removes barriers that might have formerly caused hesitation.
Ethnic Identity
One of the developments that came with the new patient-centred focus is that surgeons became more aware of the ways ethnic heritage shapes a person’s face. This has led to the development of procedures and techniques that consider a patient’s unique features so their natural beauty can be preserved. The goal is now to preserve and enhance natural beauty rather than aim for the tightest skin or trendiest nose. This trend is easiest to see when looking at rhinoplasty, where many surgeons offer specific procedures for patients of African American, Asian, or Persian heritage.
Popularity of Other Treatments
Another shift that has helped keep facial cosmetic surgery on trend has been the increased popularity of non-invasive procedures like Botox, platelet-rich plasma therapy, or injectable fillers. Although not a type of surgery, they help patients become more comfortable with cosmetic procedures in general. While effective, there are limits to what non-surgical treatments are capable of and this can spur people to explore additional options.
Sep 26th 2018
